One of Norfolk's best known beauty spots rivalled Ibiza for the title of party capital of the world last night (Friday).

Eastern Daily Press: The Classic Ibiza concert at Blickling Hall. The crowds enjoying the Urban Soul Orchestra. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Classic Ibiza concert at Blickling Hall. The crowds enjoying the Urban Soul Orchestra. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)

Thousands of revellers converged on the National Trust estate at Blickling, near Aylsham, for the inaugural Classic Ibiza – the first night of the newly expanded Blickling Proms – on one of the hottest days of the year.

DJ Goldierocks, aka Sam Hall, brought some of the biggest dance anthems from the last 20 years back to life with the support of a 32-piece orchestra, from the chilled vibes of the Verve's Bittersweet Symphony to tracks such as David Guetta's uplifting Titanium.

And, as the sun went down against the backdrop of Blickling Lake, it produced a memorable night.

Sam said: 'It's almost like Ibiza. I don't think you could have asked for a more perfect day – one of the hottest days of the year and the sun just setting, I was so impressed by the venue, it's spectacular. I knew it was going to be beautiful, it's National Trust, but it was glorious and I was delighted to be playing.

Eastern Daily Press: DJ Goldierocks, aka Sam HallDJ Goldierocks, aka Sam Hall (Image: Archant)

'The Urban Soul Orchestra are like dear old friends of mine, we met in Monaco while performing at the Grand Prix and really bonded. And since then we've travelled all over the world together.'

But she added: 'It was an absolute delight to be here in Norfolk. It's really peaceful, really chilled, a really lovely atmosphere - just really fun.'

The open-air concert was the brainchild of Lisa Ward, director of promoters Revival Productions following the success of the Last Night of the Blickling Proms, which returns at the same venue tonight (Saturday).

Reflecting on last night's concert, Lisa said: 'It was everything I thought it was going to be and more. We listened to the rehearsals earlier and it just blew us away so we knew the crowd was just going to go mad when they heard it. And on a night like this, with beautiful weather – it's so warm – it was knockout. We could never have planned that it could be this fantastic.'

Eastern Daily Press: Young and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYYoung and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: Archant)

So what did concert-goers make of it?

Laura Whitehead, 29, who works for a fashion company in London, said: 'I wasn't too sure what to expect but I love a live orchestra, it's always a winner for me. The setting is amazing. Considering a lot of gigs I go to in London are underground, a bit dingy, this is fantastic; we couldn't have asked for a better setting.'

Adam Williams, 40, a teacher from Gorleston, said: 'It's a lovely place and we can bring the kids so it was nice to spend the time with them. Passing on a bit of history to the kids, they dance to it but have never heard it.'

Sharon Weekley, 44, an administrator from Reepham, said: 'I love to come to festivals and try to do everything locally as much as possible, I'm going to the one at Holkham later on this month but travel all over.

Eastern Daily Press: Young and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYYoung and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: Archant)

'I've been to the Blickling concerts before many times, it's a lovely venue; lovely and local. I've never been to Ibiza before, this is the closest thing – pizza and Ibiza, so here we are.'

Harriet Cox, 20, a Co-op store team leader from Horsford, said: 'Good music and good vibes. I like anything with a good beat. I've been to Blickling for walks. I've not been to Ibiza before, this is the closest we're getting. '

Eastern Daily Press: Young and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAYYoung and old alike sampled a taste of of the party island with Classic Ibiza at Blickling. Picture: ALLY McGILVRAY (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Classic Ibiza concert at Blickling Hall. Spectators singing along with the Urban Soul Orchestra. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Classic Ibiza concert at Blickling Hall. Spectators singing along with the Urban Soul Orchestra. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2016)